Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio didn’t rule Patrick Willis out of Sunday’s game at New Orleans, but he also wasn’t brimming with optimism when asked about the inside linebacker’s availability today. …

Niners wide receiver Michael Crabtree acknowledged his 2014 season has been below his expectations, but he wanted to make one thing abundantly clear today: His so-so campaign is not connected to another injury to his left foot, which has undergone two surgeries since 2009. …

Niners inside linebacker Patrick Willis isn’t practicing today, raising the possibility he could his miss his third straight game when the 49ers visit the Saints on Sunday. The fact that Willis was on a treadmill at the start of today’s practice was a bit of a surprise considering he was a limited participant in every practice last week. Willis sustained a toe injury on Oct. 13. …

The Seahawks claimed defensive tackle Demarcus Dobbs today, a day after he was waived by the 49ers. The Seahawks also have ex-49ers in wide receiver Ricardo Lockette, who entered the NFL with Seattle, and fullback Will Tukuafu. Quarterback B.J. Daniels, a seventh-round pick of the 49ers in 2013, is on Seattle’s practice squad. …

Lattimore, who sustained three torn knee ligaments and a dislocated kneecap in October 2012, participated in his first two practices of the season last week before sitting out Friday’s session. Some of his family members from South Carolina came to the Bay Area over the weekend and Lattimore met with them and members of the organization before deciding to retire. …